Many do not know that back in March Joseph “Jody” began not feeling well. It started with joint pain, rashes, mouth sores, sore throat, swollen tongue and it just continued to snow ball. He went to his primary doctor many times, dentist, oncologist, dermatologist and many emergency room visits. No one could figure out what was going on. I came home from work in May and he was pale and did not look good. He went back to the ER and was immediately transferred to Methodist Medical Center. While there, things progressed quickly. He was put in a coma and on a ventilator. Things got worse and he was put on ECMO. His lungs failed. Seemed like every day machines were added. Chest tubes, kidney dialysis, some machine for the heart- you name it, he's on it. He's been there 60+ days with no improvement. Doctors finally told me there was nothing more they could do and Jody needs a lung transplant. Due to his critical condition no transplant hospital in Texas will take him. The awesome lung doctor at Methodist reached out to a colleague who is the director for transplants in Florida. Jody has been accepted! We are awaiting insurance approval and a room. As soon as everything is squared away, we have 24 hours and Jody will be care flighted to Florida. This leaves our family in a unique position; two kids about to start school and my dad at home on hospice. I obviously cannot be everywhere at one time. We need help.

Case manager informed me that when Jody receives his new lungs, he will need to remain in Florida as an outpatient for two to three months. We must live their while he recovers. This brings on new challenges that you can only imagine. Where do we live, how much is it, do I pull my kids out of school, the list of worries goes on and on. We need prayers, funds, support, positive vibes, the whole 9 yards. If you took the time to read all of this, thank you. Say a prayer for Jody, his care team, his kids and me. This has been a living nightmare for the past few months and we want/need some kind of forward positive direction. This has been a humbling experience, much love, Robin.